7. Using the C.F.8. as a Converter:
When a mains supply is connected to the caravan, the unit can be effectively used
as a mains to 12 volt converter, to power the 12 volt equipment in the caravan. It
does this by replenishing the power drawn from the battery, and will automatically
adjust this power to the amount being drawn from the battery. Note that the unit will
work without a battery installed in the caravan, but we do not recommend this type of
use. A battery provides the necessary smoothing required by electronic items fitted
such as strip lights, radio, T.V., water heaters, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Due to the powerful output available, the unit will get warm during mains charging. An
automatic thermal cut-out is fitted which will switch the unit off if for any reason it
reaches too high a temperature. It is important, therefore, not to obstruct the front or
rear of the case with clothing or similar items, this will cause the thermal cut-out to
operate more frequently and will reduce the efficiency. Note that the thermal cut-out is
completely automatic, it will re-set when conditions return to normal.
2. Refrigerators:
These should never be connected to the C.F.8.
(See INSTRUCTIONS FOR FITTING)
In a properly wired system, the fridge is connected directly to the vehicle battery
by an independent cable. Its operation is not affected by the C.F.8 controls. The
fitting of a ZIG RM14 relay will ensure that the fridge only draws current when the
engine is running.
3. The main "ON-OFF" switch lights up to show that mains is available, but it has no
effect on any other mains equipment which may be fitted. It serves only to switch on
and off the battery charger incorporated in the unit. Never connect any other mains
equipment to the C.F.8.
4. Batteries: For best results a battery designed specifically for leisure use should be
fitted. Obviously the choice will be dictated by cost and space available, but the
largest capacity possible the better. It is not recommended to use batteries with less
than 60Ah capacity. On no account should a car battery be used as it will give poor
results and fail quickly.
5. WARNING: If the battery is very discharged, the loads on the 12V system should be
reduced to below the rated output of the battery charger. This will enable the charger
to restore the battery to full capacity quickly and prevent any overloading of the
charger.
6. Maintenance is not required other than to keep the front panel clean with a dry cloth.
It is, however, important to make a check from time to time on the condition of
wiring in the caravan. In particular, the seven pin plugs and sockets and the
mains input connections should be checked at least on every excursion.
3
8
The various accessories can now be connected to the C.F.8 sharing the load between
the three 10 amp outlets as equally as possible. The outlets are wired to No's 6, 8 and
10 (all positive) and the corresponding negative connections are No's 5, 7 and 9. As all
the negative connections are joined to each other, it does not matter which are used for
each fuse outlet.
Refer to Figure 4.
Water pump to No's 5 and 6.
Fan, cooker hood, etc. to No's 7 and 8.
Lighting to No's 9 and 10.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A REFRIGERATOR TO BE CONNECTED
TO THE UNIT.
Due to the high current drawn by refrigerators, they should be wired to the engine
battery in such a way that they only operate whilst the engine is running. A Zig RM14
relay will ensure that the main battery will not be flattened by the fridge when the engine
is not running.
The wiring for the fridge should be an entirely separate fused system. Do not attempt to
connect to terminal 2 on the C.F.8, as this will prevent battery charging.
When all the 12 volt connections are complete, the mains connections can be made.
The mains input plug and socket should be of the polarised type, i.e. connection can
only be made one way round. Suitable sockets can be obtained from caravan
accessory shops and chandlers. They should be to B.S.4343. Fit the socket in a
suitable position and connect the white mains cable as follows:
BROWN to LIVE INPUT
BLUE to NEUTRAL 240 VOLTS AC
GREEN/YELLOW to EARTH 50/60 Hz.
Do not connect the mains supply at this stage.
Check all the wiring carefully, looking particularly for stray strands which may short to
earth. Protect the mains cable from damage by securing with cable clips.
Replace the auxiliary battery 25 amp fuse and referring to "INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE"
check that all the 12 volt accessories function correctly.
For motorised caravans and boats, replace the other 25 amp line fuse and check that
current is available with the "TOURING/ON-SITE*" switch in the "TOURING" position.
In the case of touring caravans, it is important to ensure that your car is properly wired
before connecting to the van. If your car has previously been wired for touring, check
carefully that is has been done In accordance with the following instructions.
Alternatively proceed to wire the vehicle as follows:-
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